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Herbaceous Perennial

Oenothera versicolor
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A short-lived perennial with linear, toothed leaves borne on upright, deep red stems that are topped in summer by tight clusters of fragrant yellow-orange flowers to 2.5cm across that darken to orange-red shades with age

Synonyms
Oenothera campylocalyx
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Orange Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Oenothera can be annuals, biennials or perennials, upright or spreading in habit, with simple or lobed leaves and bowl-shaped, white, yellow or pink flowers over a long period in summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews and downy mildews; root rot may be a problem in rich, wet, heavy soil. Generally disease-free

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